HDFA is guided by a volunteer Board of Australians with experience across education, community development, governance, business, finance, legal and fundraising.
Every Board member gives their time freely. No directors are paid, in line with AusAID and DFAT best practice.
The Board sets HDFA’s strategic direction, ensures strong governance and keeps the organisation grounded in its founding values: humility, partnership and long-term commitment.
HDFA founder Duncan Chessell visiting the communities devastated by the 2015 Earthquake.
Our Board
Chair & Co-Founder
Andrew is an educator and community-development specialist who has worked in Nepal for over two decades.
He leads HDFA’s strategy and Nepal operations, bringing expertise in education systems, governance and place-based development.
Andrew ensures every HDFA project is designed with communities and built to last.
Co-Founder & Board Member (Volunteer CEO)
Duncan is one of Australia’s most experienced high-altitude mountaineers, with more than 20 Himalayan expeditions and three Everest summits. He also brings decades of experience as a geologist and founder of several ASX-listed mineral exploration companies. Duncan’s deep regional knowledge, long-standing relationships across Eastern Nepal and practical operational leadership guide HDFA’s on-the-ground work and partnerships.
Board Member & Co-Founder
Chris is an experienced advisor across finance, philanthropy and the not-for-profit sector.
He brings strong governance, risk management and strategic fundraising expertise to the Board.
Chris helps build HDFA’s sustainability through donor engagement, corporate networks and sound financial oversight.
Treasurer
Ed is a Chartered Accountant with senior experience across governance, finance and risk management in both public and private sectors. He oversees HDFA’s financial systems, budgeting and audits, ensuring the organisation remains transparent, accountable and financially robust.
Board Member
Ella is a corporate and M&A lawyer with expertise in governance, regulatory compliance and organisational advisory. A long-time HDFA volunteer who has visited projects in Eastern Nepal, she supports HDFA with strong legal guidance and strategic oversight.
Secretary
Bonnie is a corporate lawyer specialising in governance, compliance and organisational risk. She supports HDFA’s policy development, regulatory obligations and board operations, helping ensure the organisation is well-run, well-documented and aligned with best practice.
Our Partners in Nepal
Great partnerships make great outcomes. We’re proud to work with local organisations who bring deep expertise, local leadership and a shared vision for children’s futures.
PHASE Nepal is a respected Nepali organisation specialising in remote community development, health and education support. They bring deep expertise in maternal care, hygiene, community health awareness, school engagement and local capacity building. PHASE helps ensure HDFA projects strengthen the everyday conditions children need to learn and thrive.
KBSS is a long-standing community organisation with deep relationships throughout the Kanchenjunga region. They provide local coordination, cultural connection, community mobilisation and on-the-ground leadership. Their guidance ensures HDFA’s work is shaped by community priorities and grounded in local knowledge.
HDFA’s agroecology partner in Eastern Nepal. They train farmers in orchard care, soil health, composting and regenerative agriculture, and run the region’s first Agriculture Knowledge Centre and biofertiliser factory. AHF creates practical pathways to food security, income and future employment through the emerging Agroecology Institute.
The Phaktanglung Rural Municipality is HDFA’s government partner for Eastern Nepal Rising. They co-lead planning, co-fund priority activities and help coordinate long-term improvements across 38 schools. Their involvement ensures the project is locally owned, aligned with municipal goals and built for long-term sustainability.
